Page 23 of Fly's Path

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It’s a short ride from the compound to my house. Most of the guys own houses right outside of the compound. They’re all on about twenty acres, but close enough that if one brother needs help, we could be there in a few minutes…faster if we ignore the speed limit, which has been known to happen on occasion.

My house is exactly what I worked with the designer to create. A sleek, modern space filled with natural elements and practically wall-to-wall glass windows. From the outside, the windows reflect the surrounding trees, making it practically invisible. That’s what I wanted.

Or I thought I wanted until I moved into the space.

It’s huge. Past huge into massive.

A complete waste for just me.

My bike slides right into place next to the others in the eight-car garage.

Not a sound greets me as I enter the kitchen.

Why did I bother coming home to eat? There’s always something at the club that’s hot and tasty. And there is always someone to talk to. I drop my cut on the back of the couch and settle in to watch the television.

Would the mystery woman like this place? Or would it feel too sterile, too cold for her?

What do I know about her just from those few moments?

She’s neither tall nor short but looks taller than she is because she’s thin…edging towards a little too thin, but she still has curves.

The way she looked at that granola bar on the ground…I knew that look. I’ve lived that desperation.

Stop. Just because you thought you saw something doesn’t mean it’s true. That could be me transferring my insecurity issues onto someone else.

Like I didn’t already funnel some of it into this place.

She could have just been having fun with her friends and decided to kiss a random stranger.

It didn’t feel like that.

That kiss…felt real…felt more meaningful than my last relationship.

I lean back against the couch and picture her smile…

“You ready to eat?” Vandal’s voice pops up into my ear.

That sure doesn’t sound like him getting smart. I’m going to have to have a discussion with that boy.

Lunch and Lies

Vandal

“You ready to eat?”

No, that doesn’t sound right?

“Are you ready to eat?”

Every way I say it sounds flirty not friendly. Lola and I…we can be friends.

Nothing more.

Great friends. The type of friend who makes sure that nothing bad ever happens to the other friend.

That would work.